The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. It promises to be an exciting event. It will showcase new teams and fierce rivalries, as eight associate teams aim to compete against the 12 full members. A total of 20 teams will be divided into four groups. Let’s review the confirmations that have been announced so far.
Host Nations
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament. This marks the first time these two Asian giants are jointly organising a T20 World Cup. Both countries automatically qualify as hosts.
Tournament Format
Total Teams: 20
Hosts (2): India, Sri Lanka
Top 8 teams from the 2024 T20 World Cup qualify automatically
3 teams qualify through ICC T20I rankings (as of June 30, 2024)
Remaining 8 spots decided through regional qualifiers
Regional Qualifiers
- Europe: 2 teams
- Africa: 2 teams
- Asia + East Asia Pacific (EAP): 3 teams
- Americas: 1 team
This inclusive format ensures strong participation from associate nations and gives emerging teams a global platform.
Qualification Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hosts | India, Sri Lanka |
| Direct Qualifiers | Top 8 teams from 2024 edition – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States & West Indies |
| Ranking Qualifiers | 3 teams based on ICC T20I ranking – Ireland, New Zealand & Pakistan |
| Regional Qualifiers | 8 teams from regional tournaments America Qualifier – Canada, Europe Qualifier – Italy & Netherlands, Africa Qualifier – Namibia & Zimbabwe, Asia & EAP Qualifier – Nepal, Oman & UAE |
| Total Teams | 20 |
Final 20 Team for 2026 T20 World Cup
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- England
- South Africa
- United States
- West Indies
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Ireland
- Canada
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Oman
- UAE
